UAB launches December blood drive

UAB and the American Red Cross are holding a blood drive Dec. 9-19. You can donate blood Dec. 9-14 in the UAB Hospital North Pavilion Atrium and at UAB Highlands Hospital Dec. 17-19. All blood types are needed; bring a photo ID and enter for a chance to win one of four $100 VISA gift cards.

Hours at the North Pavilion:

Monday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Hours at UAB Highlands:

Tuesday, Dec. 17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 6:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

UAB is one of the largest users nationally of blood supplied by the Red Cross. Blood products are used during surgery, transplantation, trauma care, difficult pregnancies and cancer treatment. It is not unheard of for a single patient to require as many as 100 units.

Donors can give blood up to six times a year, once every eight weeks. The process takes about 45 minutes; the actual blood collection usually takes less than 20 minutes.

The UAB EXPO showcases the academic endeavors of nearly 200 undergraduate students in many of the majors offered at UAB. Graduate students, post docs and faculty are encouraged to help judge the presentations; apply online.

Show your message to the world in live action video, animation or posters, and compete for prizes in Public Health's KoronisFest Public Service Announcement & Poster Competition. Winning entries are screened during Public Health Week and in the Sidewalk Film Festival. Details at www.koronisfest.org.

UAB is again participating in Scale Back Alabama — a free, statewide weight-loss program designed to encourage residents to get healthy — and Employee Wellness will provide weigh-in sites for UAB employees.